New Pueblo Viejo offers great lakeside setting

Published 7:00 pm, Wednesday, August 10, 2011

In a region where Mexican restaurants seem to outnumber pickup trucks, prospective restaurateurs need to come up with something special to stand out from the competition.

For the owners of Viejo Mexican Restaurant, located in the April Plaza Marina complex, the effort includes good food, adequate service and spacious-as-well-as-comfortable seating areas - indoors and out - with a great view of Lake Conroe.

While many new eateries opt for the cheap laminate tables and stackable chairs found at every restaurant supply house, Pueblo Viejo has tables and chairs made of that rough hewn, heavy wood most often associated with the Southwest in general and Mexico in particular. It’s a nice change of pace.

The menu offers few surprises in terms of Mexican fare - although there is greater variety offered in the form of more seafood, steaks and other non-ethnic choices. The variety provides greater flexibility in accommodating different tastes - always a good thing.

As is too often the case, I was accompanied by local humorist Mark Hayter on this visit to Pueblo Viejo Mexican Restaurant. As usual, I was unable to resist the beef fajita offering, $7.99 on the lunch special menu. Mark chose the chicken vegetable lunch special at the same price.

Service was not overly personable - I got the impression our waiter wasn’t particularly pleased with the idea of waiting on the local rubes and hayseeds out for lunch. But what he lacked in personality was made up for in overall efficiency.

My fajitas arrived at the table sizzling - a must. The accompanying plate of pico de gallo, guacamole and other extras was, as usual, woefully inadequate. But the salsa and queso were plentiful. The portion size was adequate for lunch though hardly generous.

Mark’s Chicken Vegetable, grilled chicken breast topped with veggies and Monterey Jack Cheese and served with rice, was a bit dry and overcooked. He complained to me, but not the waiter, so I have no sympathy for him.

Considering the rocky history of April Plaza Marina as an entertainment and dining destination, I was pleasantly surprised with the overall quality of the restaurant, décor and atmosphere. I would have no reservations about a return visit with family or friends.

And while prevailing weather conditions are a bit too warm and muggy for me to consider dining al fresco, when things cool down a bit, I think the outdoor patio at Pueblo Viejo should be a popular place to enjoy dinner with a nice view of the lake.

UPDATE: Believe it or not, our weekly restaurant reviews are now available on Facebook. Look for “Whine and Dine with Brad and Mark.” Feel free to stop by and check out our reviews, make fun of Mark or point out how wrong we are about local restaurants. You won’t be alone.